West Jefferson Medical Center Announces Stroke Awareness Day

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On May 9th, an informative event about stroke prevention will be held at West Jefferson Medical’s stroke center. New Orleans area residents are welcome to attend and learn more about identifying warning signs.

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Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and here at West Jeff, we don't think enough attention is put on this important issue.

Marrero, LA (PRWEB)May 07, 2013

This May, West Jefferson Medical Center (WJMC) will host Stroke Awareness Day in observance of National Stroke Awareness Month. This informative event will be held May 9, from 7 to 10 a.m. and again from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at WJMC, the stroke center New Orleans residents depend on for quality care. West Jeff designed Stroke Awareness Day to educate the public on key methods of stroke prevention as well as the risk factors and warning signs of a stroke.

Stroke Awareness Day provides the perfect opportunity for individuals in Louisiana to learn all about this medical condition from a local neurologist. New Orleans residents can expect to receive a variety of beneficial information at this event, including warning signs, effects, and science behind a stroke. Interactive activities will be in place to facilitate learning, including a giant, inflatable walk-through exhibit of the human brain. This display is designed to teach visitors more about how strokes occur and what exactly one experiences during such an episode.

WJMC hopes to inform participants of lifestyle changes that may help to prevent stroke as well as what symptoms to look out for stroke. In addition, attendees will be reminded of the critical importance of seeking treatment right away when they are experiencing the warning signs of a stroke.

"Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and here at West Jeff, we don't think enough attention is put on this important issue," said Taslin Alfonzo, WJMC media relations specialist. "That's why we're excited about Stroke Awareness Day. This event will educate a lot of potential stroke patients on how to prevent stroke with the help of hospitals in New Orleans. Hospitals should focus more on prevention, and we're proud to lead by example."

Visitors to the New Orleans hospital's event can take advantage of free examinations, including blood pressure testing and glucose screening. These vital exams can help people learn whether they are affected by some of the risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The hospital will also hold empathy experience exercises to give participants insight into the life of a stroke patient, These activities give participants the opportunity to experience how difficult daily tasks can be after suffering from a stroke. They aim to answer common questions, such as "What does a stroke feel like?" and "How does one cope when one side of his or her body is effectively paralyzed?" The hospital staff hope to shed more light on this common condition.

When someone is exhibiting signs of stroke, it's vital to call 911 immediately. If treated within the first three hours, long-term disability for the most common type of stroke can be reduced. Although roughly 795,000 Americans will have a stroke this year, the majority of lay individuals cannot identify the warning signs or risk factors involved. In a time of need, locals can depend on West Jefferson's award-winning stroke center. New Orleans residents, however, should still be aware of the warning signs in order to be prepared if this condition affects them or their loved ones.

The fair will be held at West Jefferson Medical Center, 1101 Medical Center Boulevard, Marrero, Louisiana 70072. For more information on stroke prevention and treatment, West Jefferson Medical Center invites residents to visit http://www.wjmc.org/WJMC-Stroke-Center.aspx or contact the hospital at (504) 347-5511.

About West Jefferson Medical Center:
West Jefferson Medical Center is located just 10 minutes from downtown New Orleans on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish. It was established in 1956. National and state organizations have recognized the Medical Center for quality clinical care. It offers several specialized clinics and fitness centers.